We vehemently condemn the white supremacist and neo-Nazi-backed sentiments and subsequent violence in Charlottesville, Va. The disgraceful rally these groups convened was for the express purpose of gathering hate-mongers and extremists to intimidate people all people and undermine the very principles of our democracy. Racist and anti-Semitic epithets were on vulgar display by these groups.

This abominable gathering serves as an important reminder that we must unite to stand against hatred and extremism. President Trump’s comments in the wake of the violence created a false equivalence between the peaceful rally protesters and the hate-mongers who incited violence. There are not "many sides" to the type of hate displayed at this rally.

From each individual through neighborhoods, communities, towns, cities, states and the nation as a whole, all Americans of good conscience must reject divisiveness and strive to embrace tolerance and unity.